The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, has been shaken by a tragic incident that claimed the lives of actor John Paul Odonwodo, also known as Junior Pope, and four crew members during the filming of “The Other Side of Life” at the River Niger Cable Point in Asaba.
In response, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), led by National President Emeka Rollas, has announced several measures aimed at ensuring the safety of its members and preventing similar accidents in the future.
Firstly, all film shoots involving riverine areas and boat riding have been suspended indefinitely.
This decision is intended to prioritize safety and avoid any further tragedies.
Secondly, there will be a nationwide suspension of filming activities on Thursday, April 11, 2024, as a mark of respect and mourning for the lives lost.
Additionally, the production of “Another Side of Life” has been halted until further notice, and actors are prohibited from working with producer Adamma Luke pending further directives.
These steps are part of the guild’s efforts to ensure safety and investigate the circumstances of the accident.
In a statement, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas expressed deep sorrow for the loss of lives and called on industry members to prioritize safety protocols during film productions.
The guild is also actively involved in locating the bodies of the missing persons while honoring the memories of those who tragically lost their lives in the boat mishap.